Team News: St Pat's Vs Cork City

Thu, Apr 09, 2015 @ 16:45

St Patrick's Athletic return to SSE Airtricity League action on Friday night as they welcome visitors Cork City to Richmond Park.

The Saints will be in good spirits heading into the game off the back of a good 4-1 midweek win in the EA Sports Cup against Crumlin United, Sam Verdon (2), James Chambers and an own goal seeing the Saints safely through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Friday's opponents Cork City similarly secured their progression to the last eight, John Caulfield's side claiming a 2-0 win over Waterford United in the RSC.

Heading into the game against the Rebel Army, Saints' manager Liam Buckley spoke of his happiness of the Saints' midweek win and believes it will give his side confidence leading into the game against the league's second placed side.

"I was really pleased with the result on Tuesday against Crumlin. We scored some good goals and a few players have put their hands up to be picked now on Friday. We'll assess the squad closer to kick-off and Friday and make a few calls on who is selected. "

"Cork are a good side and have made a good start to the league. Games between us and Cork are always very tight and I'd expect Friday to be no different. John's side will come here looking for a result so it should make for a great game, especially as I know our crowd will turn out in big numbers and get behind the team," Buckley told stpatsfc.com .

In team news, the Saints have mixed news on the suspension front. Killian Brennan is available once more having served a two match additional suspension, while the Saints are without the services of Ian Bermingham following his dismissal in last week's 2-2 draw away to Longford Town.

Brendan Clarke remains out with an ankle injury, while Jason McGuinness is back in training and could feature since his last appearance against Shamrock Rovers in the opening game of the season.

For Saints' skipper Ger O'Brien, the prospect of facing Cork is one he is looking forward to as he hopes to make his first 2015 league appearance for the Saints in Richmond Park on Friday.

"It's great to be back in the set-up after my hamstring injury. It was a niggling problem so to be back involved playing against Longford and Crumlin last week was great. Playing an hour in the games was planned with Liam and the medical staff, so hopefully the injuries are behind me now," O'Brien told stpatsfc.com.

"In terms of Friday's game, we'll need to play well and make sure we're fully concentrated throughout. If we do that, we can get a result. Cork had a great season last year and have a strong squad again this year so they'll be challenging for honours again. But at home, we know if we play well, we have a chance."